JEDDAH: As the US-backed conflict between Israel and Iran entered its fourth day, economists warned the fallout could spread well beyond the region, threatening higher inflation, tighter credit markets and slower growth in energy-importing economies if hostilities persist. Global markets have already reacted, with oil benchmarks surging after the conflict disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint handling about a fifth of global seaborne oil trade.

RIYADH: Global markets plunged on March 2 after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered Gulf-wide retaliation, disrupting energy and financial hubs and rattling investors…

Effects of extended conflict between US and Iran could also lead to higher interest rates and hit economic growth